An evening out at Barquila in Mamaroneck | Photo by Ken Gabrielsen
Sip crafty cocktails, quaff local beers, and swirl expert wine selections at these 45 standout bars throughout Westchester County.
By Cristiana Caruso, Janine Clements, Andrew Dominick, Michelle Gillian Larkin, Bryan Miller, Maya Ono, Gina Valentino, and Dave Zucker
Ardsley | Armonk | Bedford | Chappaqua | Croton-on-Hudson | Elmsford | Dobbs Ferry | Harrison | Hartsdale | Hastings-on-Hudson | Irvington | Larchmont | Mamaroneck | Mount Kisco | Mount Vernon | New Rochelle | North Salem | Peekskill | Pelham | Pleasantville | Ossining | Pound Ridge | Purchase | Rye | Port Chester | Scarsdale | Sleepy Hollow | Somers | Tarrytown | Thornwood | White Plains | Yonkers | Yorktown Heights
Ardsley
L’inizio
698 Saw Mill River Rd; liniziony.com
At this quaint Italian spot headed by husband-wife team Scott and Heather Fratangelo, the 12-seat cement-and-reclaimed-wood bar is separate from the main dining area, to offer what Scott describes as a “chill, fun vibe” where patrons can order a meal. The Italian red wines and barrel-aged cocktails are standouts. For an educational evening, L’inizio hosts wine dinners with importers on hand to discuss esoteric renditions.
L’inizio hosts wine dinners with importers on hand to discuss esoteric renditions.
Don’t Miss: Blackboard specials, including a cocktail and featured wine.
Armonk
Moderne Barn
430 Bedford Rd; modernebarn.com
This New American restaurant from the Livanos family, and especially its bar, is typically a bustling scene. Glance around at every table and barstool: They’re celebrating, catching up with friends, or simply grabbing a bite to eat, and you’ll see just as many wine pours as you will water refills. An extensive selection of sustainably produced reds, whites, and everything in between — curated by wine director Edgar Balagot — has earned Moderne Barn Wine Spectator’s “Best of Award of Excellence” for nine years straight. If you’re having trouble choosing a bottle, they can help you decide which vino you’re swirling, sniffing, and sipping.
Don’t Miss: Not a wine drinker? Moderne Barn’s Paper Plane (bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Lucano, lemon juice) and their Port Old Fashioned (10-year tawny port, rye, orange bitters, maple syrup) both go down way too easy. Don’t pick one. Get both.
Casa Tequila Cocina & Bar
465 Main St; casatequilany.com
Owner Mike Guerra has brought more than 150 tequilas and mezcals to Westchester by way of the aptly named Casa Tequila. Stunning murals, depicting important cultural elements of Mexico, decorate the restaurant, while the year-round outdoor dining patio — equipped with space heaters — allows flights of tequila to be sipped in cozy warmth. The most popular drink on the menu is the blood orange paloma, a stunning mélange of reposado tequila, blood orange, and the marquee habanero bitters, topped with a tie-dyed indigo orchid.
Don’t Miss: At 10 p.m., the lights are turned a touch lower and the music a bit higher, giving the bar more of a club feel. Guerra also hosts special tequila-tasting and education nights, to add a scholarly twist to the fun.
Bedford
Truck
391 Old Post Rd; truckrestaurant.com
Fresh-juice-and-cane-sugar margaritas are front and center at this always-hopping farm-to-table interpretation of a Mexican restaurant. Truck’s Power Wagon keeps it classic, while the Power Wagon Vintage is basically an aged, smoother upgrade in tequila, using El Jimador Reposado over un-aged blanco. There’s always a seasonal-fruit margarita if you’re keeping it sweet, or kick it up with their Angry Rooster, which gets its heat from organic jalapeños.
Don’t Miss: Truck’s tacos, with grass-fed beef, sustainably raised pork, and vegetables from local farms whenever possible. You also shouldn’t leave without having a slice of pie or a house-made take on a Drake’s or Hostess cake.
Chappaqua
Crabtree’s Kittle House Restaurant & Inn
11 Kittle Rd; crabtreeskittlehouse.com
A curated modern/heritage experience awaits at Crabtree’s Kittle House, a Chappaqua institution since 1790. What started as a working farm-turned-roadhouse during Prohibition is now open for dining in 2021 while remaining true to its farm-to-table sustainable roots. The Kittle House wine-and-beverage program features a wine cellar with more than 45,000 bottles of wine and an extensive specialty cocktail menu with both international and local labels. Grab a seat in the wood-paneled Tap Room and grab a glass of Chateau Maris Syrah or order a vesper made with Elmsford-based Current Spirits’ dry gin.
Don’t Miss: Crabtree’s wine-tasting room, available for private events and dinners.
Croton-on-Hudson
The Tavern at Croton Landing
41 N Riverside Ave; thetavernatcroton.com
This staple of Croton-on-Hudson sits steps away from the riverfront and has become a local favorite. The friendly atmosphere, high-quality drinks, and hearty menu items make for a warm dining experience. Pair your favorite cocktail or IPA with your choice of wings or create your own pizza. Stick with the traditional margarita, or if you’re feeling adventurous, try the French twist, with Gruyère, mozzarella, caramelized onions, bacon, and chopped olives.
Don’t Miss: Daily specials, including $5 sangria and margaritas on Thursdays, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and $6 brunch cocktails on weekends, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Elmsford
Pete’s Saloon & Restaurant
8 West Main St; petessaloon.com
The gussied-up appearance of Pete’s — all brass, wood, and brick, with a small, raised dining section in the front and a larger one in back — belies its reputation as a thoroughly local lair that serves up quality food and drink at bargain prices. On any given evening, the 17-seat bar is populated with convivial regulars who have been residing on Pete’s barstools for years. There are about a dozen draft beers and a perfunctory wine selection (try one of the rotating specialty cocktails). Many patrons dine at the bar, and the menu leans toward steaks and burgers, although some of the most popular selections are fish ’n’ chips, mussels fra diavolo, salmon with dill sauce, and chicken Caesar salad. Live bands hold forth on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 p.m.; Thursday is Karaoke night.
Don’t Miss: The signature mozzarella sticks — as thick as a carpenter’s thumb, breaded, and just the right gooey texture. The portion is nearly large enough to be a main course.
Dobbs Ferry
Half Moon
1 High St, halfmoonhudson.com
On a clear December evening, the view of Manhattan is so finely etched from the dining room at Half Moon that you might think you can spot the tip of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. The glass-wrapped dining areas, with a stylish 15-seat bar and separate lounge, sizzle on weekends, fueled by a youngish, dressy, dating crowd. The menu highlights superior seafood and shellfish, although steaks are a big draw, too. (In warm weather, there is a six-seat outdoor bar). Specialty cocktails change with the seasons. The revised and expanded wine list features some worthy discoveries from New York State.
Don’t Miss: $2 oysters, $7 draft beers, and $10 cocktails at happy hour. (3 p.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays; Friday, noon to 3 p.m.)
The Bit
23 Cedar St; thebitdf.com
The food menu at this friendly gastropub is a melting pot of cuisines from the American deep South, U.K., Italy, India, and more. The beverage program complements the eclectic food offerings with refreshing, colorful, Insta-worthy gin- and vodka-focused cocktails. Some are fruit-infused; others are herbal and spicy. One thing you can expect is uniformity in taste because The Bit is all about batching for cocktail consistency.
Don’t Miss: On weekends, from noon to 3 p.m, if you buy a brunch entrée, shell out the extra $26 for 90 minutes of bottomless action, with six different cocktails to choose from.
Harrison
Wellington’s Grill
110 Halsted Ave; wellingtonsgrill.com
The bright-red front door of Wellington’s Grill immediately catches one’s attention. Stepping inside the unassuming building leads to even more pleasant surprises than the ample parking, including the impressive amount of beer and wine selections and the helpfulness of the staff. The granite-topped bar has a subtle elegance, without imposing some overbearing dress code, and adds a note of refinement when eating some of the bar’s most popular appetizers — the Alabama nachos, dripping in pulled pork, and Bavarian pretzels, with cheese for dipping into.
The granite-topped bar has a subtle elegance, without imposing some overbearing dress code.
Don’t Miss: For a lively Friday evening, check out Wellington’s karaoke night. Make reservations, as it fills up fast, and your rendition of “Total Eclipse of the Heart” deserves the full effect of a packed house.
Hartsdale
VEGA
189 E Hartsdale Ave; vegamexican.com
Owner Jeevan Pullan routinely gushes, “I love all things Mexican,” and that’s evident in the clever margarita and mezcal offerings, the crave-worthy eats, and the festive lighting that illuminates cool exposed brick and adds warmth to the slick surrounds. The hands-down favorite from the marg menu is the Spicy Diablo, with house-infused jalapeño tequila, passion fruit, and fresh lime. Add in a variety of Mexican and Spanish beers and a handful of wines, and it’s a fiesta by any reckoning.
Don’t Miss: Happy-hour food-and-drink specials, Sunday to Thursday; challenge yourself to the orange-habanero wings of fire, washed down with a Hot Diablo margarita.
Hastings-on-Hudson
Harvest on Hudson
1 River St; harvesthudson.com
This towering, trellised, Tuscan-style villa on the river is magical in summer, with its fragrant, 200-seat, outdoor garden patio. In winter, the action turns inward, toward the handsome 12-seat bar, which invites a well-heeled, cocktail-sipping clientele. (Try the heady Bite the Bullet: Knob Creek Bourbon, St. Germain, mint, lemon, and orange bitters.) Nearby is a five-seat eating bar, which faces the busy open kitchen. The extensive international wine list is particularly strong in Italian producers. Bar favorite dishes include selections of excellent cured meats, pizzas, and pastas (try the rabbit scarpariello.) Happy hour is a singular bargain (4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday to Thursday). On Fridays, Harvest offers a “reverse happy hour,” from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The extensive international wine list is particularly strong in Italian producers.
Don’t Miss: Around the holidays, ask about the Feast of the Seven Fishes dinner, with matching wines.
The Speakeasy at Divino Cucina
524 Warburton Ave; divinohastings.com
You could enter The Speakeasy through the restaurant, but where’s the fun in that? Instead, head to the alleyway entrance by Divino’s front door, creep a few steps, open the door, and go downstairs. What was formerly the restaurant’s basement storage is now a full-on “secret” bar, with an underground-NYC feel and lighter, mostly vodka, rum, and gin cocktails. Berry Me in Tequila is essentially a sweeter margarita with a strawberry ice cube that you’ll drink way too fast. This winter, look out for a s’mores martini and a caramel-apple spin on a classic mule. Each is like drinking dessert.
Don’t Miss: Divino’s basement alter ego is big on music. Thursday night features live jazz, when a surprisingly talented audience can get up and belt out a tune or BYO instrument. Saturdays are a full-on party with a DJ. “We have stage lights, and we clear out the back room, so people can dance,” says general manager/bartender Shane Mulligan. “It’s basically a nightclub.”
Irvington
Red Hat on the River
1 Bridge St; redhatontheriver.com
For an elevated bar experience, Red Hat on the River offers stunning views of the Hudson and interior decor reminiscent of French bistros on the Seine. Sidle up to the elegant pewter-accented bar, or for an outdoor experience, take your drinks to the waterfront or the rooftop. Try the pear vanilla martini, with Grey Goose LA Poire vodka, pear nectar, and house-made, vanilla-bean-infused syrup, or the Red Hat cosmo, featuring local spirits.
Don’t Miss: The Red Hat classic Bloody Mary, with horseradish and lemon, during Sunday brunch, from noon to 2:30 p.m.
Larchmont
The Cellar Bar
8 Railroad Way, thecellarbarusa.com
The Cellar Bar is a Larchmont institution that’s been around for about 40 years. Despite its famously upscale ZIP code, The Cellar is a classic dive bar — dark and cozy, with a lively, friendly atmosphere. Located by the train station, it attracts an eclectic crowd, including commuters looking for a casual, after-work drink; longtime regulars; and a younger set looking to unwind and have fun. Where else can you find somewhere that’s open ’til 4 a.m. every day of the week and has a jukebox? It also has a surprisingly good selection of beers and free bar snacks, with a few decorative parrots thrown in for good measure.
Don’t Miss: The Cellar’s weekly special events, like the Free Kick-Off Buffet on Mondays and Chili Dog Dart Night on Thursdays.
Vintage 1891 Kitchen
2098 Boston Post Rd; vintage1891kitchen.com
This chic cocktail bar has a sophisticated, modern style and a buzzy atmosphere. It’s an equally popular spot for a romantic date night, catching up with friends, or a glamorous girls’ night out. Thursday nights are the big night out for moms. You can either sit at the long bar and chat with the bartenders or relax on cream-leather seats in the lounge area and sip one of their seasonal craft cocktails. Vintage 1891 is also known for its extensive wine list, which includes a decent selection of wines by the glass.
Don’t Miss: The truffle popcorn is incredibly addictive and goes well with a glass of wine, while Miss Curvy, their signature cocktail, is delicious.
Mamaroneck
Barquila
308 Mamaroneck Ave; barquilany.com
If you’re looking for a vibrant atmosphere, live music, games, and innovative cocktails, go to Barquila. The interior is an Instagrammer’s dream, with neon signs and festive, tropical decor — the perfect backdrop for cocktails crafted by master mixologist Brian Diaz. The signature drink menu includes Lost in Paradise, which is also available as a virgin cocktail. The influencers of Westchester will want to venture into the “Luxury Selection” of the menu, featuring such liquid works of art as Feeding the Flamingo or Smoke the London Roaster.
Don’t Miss: The next Barquila party, complete with a DJ stage and bottle service. For upcoming events, follow Barquila on Instagram at @barquila.ny.
Mount Kisco
Pour
241 E Main St; pourmtkisco.com
Whether it’s date night or a friendly catch-up sesh, do it at this Victorian-style house in the heart of downtown Mount Kisco, a grown-up lounge that rivals any big-city speakeasy. Choose from eight expertly crafted cocktails (they can also make you anything else), which include a smooth Old Fashioned, a strong Negroni, a Manhattan, or a Bee’s Knees, made with CBD-infused Hudson Valley Hemp Honey. Don’t worry: There’s wine, beer, and a few absinthe options, plus meatballs, charcuterie, truffle fries, and other bar bites awaiting your indulgence.
Don’t Miss: Many can boast vast whiskey collections, but no one rivals Pour’s rarities. Expect older years of Pappy Van Winkle, A.H. Hirsch, Jefferson’s, Michter’s, and more.
Village Social
251 E Main St; villagesocialkb.com
From the same creative-minded owners of Fatt Root, Locali, and Pubstreet, and with a namesake location in Rye, Village Social in Mount Kisco is the perfect place for either small plates and a drink or a full dinner. The beverage menu offers creative tequila, gin, bourbon, and vodka cocktails (e.g., blood orange margarita, blueberry vodka lemonade) to complement the wine and beer programs.
Don’t Miss: Spicy salmon poke and one of its standout craft cocktails, like the watermelon mojito (vodka, watermelon, lime, mint).
Mount Vernon
The Bayou
580 Gramatan Ave; bayourestaurantny.com
Mardi Gras isn’t a holiday; it’s a state of existence at The Bayou. Shimmy up to the bead-laden bar (crested with an alligator head) for one of the NOLA-inspired libations. The Hurricane, a mix of light and dark rum, white wine and red wine, passion fruit, and topped off with dark rum, is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. The exhilaration of the neon lights may dare some to try Da Bomb, a potion that comprises virtually every alcohol and a secret mixer.
Mardi Gras isn’t a holiday; it’s a state of existence at The Bayou.
Don’t Miss: While the drinks are enough to get you dancing on the bar, they pair best with crawfish, colloquially known as mudbugs, another Cajun staple. On select nights, The Bayou hosts popular blues and Zydeco artists.
New Rochelle
Smokehouse Tailgate Grill
587 North Avenue; shtailgate.com
Carnivores are no stranger to either location of Smokehouse Tailgate Grill, where smoked brisket, racks of ribs, fresh-ground burgers, barbecue riffs on tacos, and fried chicken are the ideal contrast to their sweeter, tiki-style cocktails and fruity margaritas. But don’t overlook the beer list, where New York breweries Wolf & Warrior, Captain Lawrence, Broken Bow, and Sloop are in regular rotation. The recently reopened NewRo flagship (“The Rookie” is in nearby Mamaroneck), now across the street, boasts 16 taps of ice-cold beer to pair with your ’cue platter.
Don’t Miss: They have one of the county’s deepest brown-liquor lists of New York bourbon, Kentucky bourbon, rye, corn whiskey, and Scotch.
Spectators Sports Pub & Restaurant
227 North Ave; spectatorspub.com
Check all the appropriate boxes for an exemplary Sunday afternoon: a hometown bar that’s ideal for catching the game, drink specials, and half-price wings that are among the county’s best. Owners Gary Torigian and Steve Morris have created an atmosphere that echoes one of TV’s most beloved sitcoms. (Sam & Diane not included, but after a few visits, everyone should know your name.)
Don’t Miss: Saint Patrick’s Day is the stuff of legends here — house-made corned beef from a sacred family recipe and whiskey-tasting from every corner of Ireland provide the perfect fodder to belt classic Irish folk songs.
North Salem
The Blazer Pub
440 NY-22; theblazerpub.com
Look up “watering hole” in your Webster’s, and the definition reads “a place where people gather socially.” The trusty dictionary might well include a photo of the charmingly tattered confines of The Blazer Pub, now in its 50th year. Grab a stool and do what the locals do: Order a pint — there’s both mainstream and craft beer — but make damn sure you have a fresh-ground, cheese-engulfed burger and a side of crispy, thick-cut steak fries with said beer.
Don’t Miss: The chili! While you gulp your beer and await that juicy burger, dive into a cup or bowl of Blazer’s rich, beefy, homemade chili, especially on brisker days.
Peekskill
Birdsall House
970 Main St; birdsallhouse.net
Opened in 2010, Birdsall House quickly became a mainstay in the downtown scene not just for its impressive rotating selection of craft brews but also its superior pub fare. The hip atmosphere inside, full of friendly bartenders and contrastingly surly but comedic barroom decor, is matched by a packed slate of seasonal music and entertainment in the beer garden, from local rock bands to fan-favorite drag shows.
Don’t Miss: Order a side of the house’s famous french fries with homemade ketchup and malt vinegar mayo.
Whiskey River
38 N Division St; whiskeyriverny.com
This little whiskey bar has rapidly amassed a cult following for its raucous, jovial atmosphere and #FoodPorn-level menu items. With a few staple items and biweekly rotating specials, Whiskey River launched to stardom and was voted Best New Restaurant by our Westchester Magazine readers in 2021. With dozens of American, Irish, Scotch, and other international whisk(e)ys (whichever spelling you prefer) to try and a bevy of talented bar staff to mix your drinks, this bar is a must-hit.
Don’t Miss: Peekskill closes off the one-way N Division Street every Thursday-Sunday afternoon for outdoor dining and the Division Street Concert Series (weather permitting) — the perfect accompaniment to a seasonal cocktail and an obscenely decadent Up the River Burger.
Pelham
The Rail House 10803
65 First St, therailhouse10803.com
Behind the subway-tile bar are mixologists who serve up craft cocktails like the Pirate Punch: a brew of Grand Marnier, coconut rum, spiced rum, orange juice, pineapple juice, and grenadine. The signature cocktail is The 10803, an homage to Rail House’s homestead, consisting of gin, prickly pear, grapefruit, tonic, and rosemary. Saturday and Sunday afternoons provide a lively brunch atmosphere, accompanied by a DJ and bottomless mimosas.
Don’t Miss: Raw Bar Tuesdays feature shrimp, oysters, and clams for $1 each.
Pleasantville
Pubstreet
20 Wheeler Ave; pubstreet.com
Set in an early-1900s train-station house, there’s always a buzz at this grown-up pub-meets-New Age oyster bar. But in contrast with Village Social Group’s sibling spots (Village Social, Locali, and Fatt Root), Pubstreet is not only more seafood-forward but also more nightlife-focused. The drink list ranges from refreshing, summery sippers, with the watermelon cooler (vodka, Aperol, simple syrup, citrus, and fresh-juiced watermelon) to bolder, batched Manhattans on tap when you need to take the edge off. The rest of its seasonal list is balanced, spirit-wise, and they keep a semi-local, rotating five-draft tap list.
Don’t Miss: $2 oysters and $1.50 littleneck clams lead a fine happy hour, which goes down from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. Draft beer and select glasses of wine are also only $5, as are other pub-worthy snacks, like chips and guac and poutine.
Ossining
3 Westerly Bar & Grill
3 Westerly Rd; 3westerly.com
This cool, nautically themed bar and restaurant fills a craving for refined casual dining and nightlife in upper Westchester. Set on a dramatic stretch of the Hudson River and with a small marina, it is a happening place, particularly at the long, black-granite bar with snug, cushiony seats. The full menu is available at the bar. You might share a sushi or sashimi platter, a shellfish assortment, the exceptional California roll, tuna tartare on crispy rice cakes, or the spicy duck taco. The attractive glass-enclosed dining room serves an eclectic, international seafood-based menu. For what it’s worth, if you show up in a boat, any time of year, you’ll get 10% knocked off your tab.
Don’t Miss: Wednesday are $1 oysters with a bottle of Oregon Elouen rosé ($30).
Pound Ridge
North Star
85 Westchester Ave; northstarny.com
It might be the inviting wraparound porch, rustic-chic decor, or New American dishes (e.g., duck-confit dumplings) that draw you, but once inside (or out on the porch), “the bartender can make you anything you want,” says owner David Schlack. Popular picks include the Black Manhattan with Redemption rye, amaro, and bitters, or the soul-warming maple-flavored Old Fashioned, spun from maple bourbon, orange bitters, and muddled orange.
Don’t Miss: Live music on Thursdays.
Purchase
tredici NORTH
578 Anderson Hill Rd; tredicinorth.com
A reclaimed terracotta-backed bar glistens as the centerpiece for tredici NORTH. Lean into the feeling of stepping inside a Southern Italian villa; peruse the revolving door of handcrafted cocktails while noshing on Chef Giuseppe Fanelli’s modern take on Italian small plates (the bang-bang shrimp is perfect to eat with one hand while holding a drink in the other). Keep the feeling of an altered reality by ordering a Butterfly Effect, built on Casamigos reposado concocted with notes of ginger, lime, cucumber, and sweet pea.
Peruse the revolving door of handcrafted cocktails while noshing on Chef Giuseppe Fanelli’s modern take on Italian small plates.
Don’t Miss: Happy hour Tuesday through Friday, 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., showcases bar snacks you can order only during that period — like the brick-oven pizzette. Specials on wine, beer, Tito’s-based cosmos and martinis, and select specialty cocktails are offered too.
Rye
Frankie & Johnnie’s
77 Purchase St: frankieandjohnnies.com
If you’re into vino, this longtime favorite steakhouse is where you can elevate your evening. With an extensive menu of international and domestic reds, whites, and rosés (from California, France, Italy, and South Africa), F&J’s serves up bottles like Harlan Estate ’00 from Napa and Biondi-Santi Brunello Di Montalcino ’99 from Tuscany. The long bar spans the swanky space, and the elegant digs serve as the perfect excuse to get dolled up.
Don’t Miss: The pear martini
Port Chester
Saltaire Oyster Bar & Fish House
55 Abendroth Ave; saltaireoysterbar.com
Grabbing a seat at this swanky oyster bar is a must when you need a post-work break. It’s not only where Saltaire is shucking the freshest shellfish around but also where they’re taking no shortcuts behind the stick. Order from a drink list that’s made with house-infused simple syrups and liquors, combined with fresh-squeezed juices. Highlights like the Purple Rain (an eye-catching, fancier take on a cran-and-vodka, with a malbec wine float) and the Autumn Old Fashioned (spiced and mellowed out by apple-cinnamon simple syrup) show that Saltaire is serious about its cocktail program. Additionally, there’s a section of the menu dedicated to different types of bright, salty, sweet margaritas.
Don’t Miss: Saltaire’s “Wine & Brine” on Thursdays means happy hour from open until they kick you out. A few $4 brews and $8 glasses of fine wine are lead-ins for snacks you can make a meal of. Raw oysters and clams are reduced from market price, plus truffle fries, an authentic chicken tinga taco, and a half-pound of beer-poached Old Bay shrimp can all be had on the cheap.
Scarsdale
Serafina
696 White Plains Rd; serafinarestaurant.com
Both locals and loyal patrons of Serafina in Manhattan will enjoy the new location at the Vernon Hills Shopping Center. Wine and spirit bottles are displayed throughout the space, inviting shoppers and locals to relax in an upholstered bar chair and order a glass of wine or a cocktail. Pair the house label SeraVino Syrah Toscana with the Regina Margherita pizza (San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella imported from Italy, and basil).
Don’t Miss: Serafina’s pizza menu, made in their signature pizza oven. (The Tartufo Nero pizza with Italian cheese and black truffle is a winner.)
Sleepy Hollow
Bridge View Tavern
226 Beekman Ave; bridgeviewtavern.com
Bridge View’s 20-plus taps frequently feature New York beer from Hudson Valley Brewery, Sloop, Threes, and Other Half, while mixing in sought-after selections from Vermont’s Hill Farmstead and Foam. Whatever you do, don’t gloss over the can-and-bottle list, which always has a bunch of rarer beers from all over the country. On nicer days, be sure to take your pint to their sunlight biergarten.
Whatever you do, don’t gloss over the can-and-bottle list, which always has a bunch of rarer beers from all over the country.
Don’t Miss: The food! Smoked, then grilled wings are a must, as are Bridge View’s burgers. You can go with classic Prime beef or take a walk on the wild side, with either bison, wild boar chorizo, or elk.
Somers
UnWined Kitchen
80 Rte 6 Somers Commons Shopping Center; unwinednewyork.com
Not only does UnWined have an extensive wine list, the bright elevated menu and fun events make for a dependable date-night spot. Think fried burrata, watermelon mint salad, and peaches and blue cheese flatbread to start, with entrées including blackened cod and beer-battered fish ’n’ chips. Weekends feature a bottomless mimosa brunch for $50 per drinker, $40 per non-drinker, and $20 for kids 10 and up (kids under 10 are free).
Don’t Miss: Taco Tuesdays (e.g., tuna-tartare tacos) at 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. (bar closes when everyone leaves!).
Tarrytown
Goosefeather
49 E Sunnyside Ln; goosefeatherny.com
One of Westchester’s most exciting restaurants sits in The King Mansion at the Tarrytown House Estate, led by celebrity chef Dale Talde. The menu pays homage to Hong Kong and Talde’s take on Cantonese barbecue. Grab a drink and head to the firepits or to one of the many pristine dining rooms. The beverage program features spirit-forward cocktails supported by a deep back bar with artisan and local labels like Port Chester’s Neversink Spirits. Pair the Kung Pao chicken wings with the Sierras de Malaga Moscatel 2018 Botani.
Grab a drink and head to the firepits or to one of the many pristine dining rooms.
Don’t Miss: Guests of Tarrytown House Estate will be pleased to know that Goosefeather offers room service.
RiverMarket Bar & Kitchen
127 West Main St, rivermarketbarkitchen.com
The airy, wood-beamed RiverMarket, simultaneously modern and rustic, draws a wide-ranging and diverse clientele. Its capacious rectangular bar is a salt lick for the Lower Westchester dating crowd. At the same time, it is a virtual clubhouse for what could be called ladies’ nights out. A well-chosen wine list offers international selections by the glass; regional craft beers are available in bottles and cans. The sophisticated locavore New American fare served at the bar runs from terrific brick-oven pizzas to main courses, like day-boat scallops and pork belly with apples and onions.
Don’t Miss: The soul-warming signature cocktail, the New Fashion: Maker’s Mark bourbon, simple syrup, bitters, orange peel, and bourbon-marinated cherries.
Thornwood
The Barley House
665 Commerce St; thebarleyhouseny.com
This modern bastion of booze and high-brow pub grub boasts a lengthy beer list broken down by taste. Touting “toasted & nutty” craft lagers and amber ales, “hoppy” suds, and “fruity & spicy” local IPAs, this is the spot for sampling something new (flights, anyone?) or settling in with seasonal standards (pumpkin; Oktoberfest) and stouts. The wine list is solid; the inventive cocktail lineup makes choosing tricky. And while everything goes with creative salads and sammies, the starters are where it’s at: crisp Philly cheesesteak spring rolls and a ginormous pretzel with beer-cheese sauce.
Don’t Miss: Special craft cocktails in tune with the seasons and all Hallmark holidays, as well as cash drawings for diners who post a review on the website.
White Plains
The Blind Pig
174 Martine Ave; theblindpigofwestchester.com
When co-owners and head bartenders Daniel Cahill and James Brennan opened this sexy speakeasy-inspired bar in 2020, it immediately pushed itself into the “best cocktails” conversation. The two longtime barmen didn’t only learn on-the-job at The Brazen Fox; they furthered their education with lessons from acclaimed establishments like The Dead Rabbit and Death & Co. Come here for whatever reason you wish and for whichever creative or classic rendition of a cocktail you desire. The fact is you can’t go wrong with The Blind Pig’s meticulous and expert approach to its craft.
Don’t Miss: Wagyu sliders with bacon jam; saucy, hoisin-glazed, pork-belly bao, and addictive truffle fries are some of the better upscale gastropub fare to sample.
Little Drunken Chef
91 Mamaroneck Ave; facebook.com/littledrunkenchef
Owner/chef Bonnie Saran offers a lively night out at this globally inspired eatery with a menu of fun cocktails (Drunken Margaritas and mimosas, popsicle sangrias), plus a short list of white and red wines, with strong cognac, whiskey, rye, and bourbon offerings. Bumping music adds to the party vibe here. Don’t be surprised if dancing breaks out next to the bar.
Don’t Miss: The wall of graffiti-marked doors and the upstairs lounge, with jewel-toned armchairs.
Fogo de Chāo
235 Main St; fogodechao.com
Fogo de Chão is the Brazil-based churrasco restaurant’s third New York location. Situated in the historic Bank of New York building, the 246-seat space with 20-foot ceilings has a 16-foot white Carrara-marble Market Table and an open kitchen window for a slavering view of gaucho chefs fire-roasting meats. Order a caipirinha with Fogo’s own label of cachaça and empanadas with house-ground picanha (sirloin cap). It’s an excellent spot for a quick lunch between meetings or drinks after work.
Don’t miss: All-day happy hour daily at the bar with $8 Brazilian-inspired cocktails and $6 South American wines. Between 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., guests can enjoy Brazilian bar bites and sharable plates.
The Opus Westchester
3 Renaissance Sq; marriott.com/hotels/travel/NYCAP-new-york-city-white-plains-autograph-collection
You might feel like you’ve stepped into a glamorous movie scene at this new swanky hotel. Perch atop the high-back upholstered chairs in funky patterns that line the elegant bar, or relax on one of the plush, gem-toned couches in the lounge. Bask in the sophisticated scene while enjoying the array of Scotches, whiskeys, gin, tequila, wine and beer, and Champagne. Light fare includes a Hudson Valley cheese plate and crudités.
Don’t Miss: If you’re looking to pair your Champagne flute with something sweet, try the chocolate bonbons.
Yonkers
Rory Dolan’s
890 McLean Ave; rorydolans.com
Straddling the line between Yonkers and the Bronx’s Irish enclave of Woodlawn, Rory Dolan’s is large enough to host a rugby scrimmage yet simultaneously project a neighborly, genial vibe. The giant wood bar with leather-topped stools and TVs galore is administered by an indefatigable crew of young Irish bartenders. You will find 45-plus draft beers (and another 20 on a rotating basis) and nearly as many in cans and bottles. It also has a fine stash of Irish whiskies. In the back is a handsome white-tablecloth dining area with a hearth.
Naturally, traditional Irish fare is the way to go: shepherd’s pie, chicken pot pie, and such. The kitchen serves a limited menu until 3 a.m.
Don’t Miss: Dublin-style fish ’n’ chips paired with a Bronx pale ale brewed with five barley malts
Salsa Bembe
811 McLean Ave; salsabembe.com
New on the block, this Latin American restaurant has the slogan a “tropical state of mind.” Enjoy vibrantly colored cocktails garnished with fruit aplenty. Tequilas like Don Julio 1942 and Clase Azul Resposado are on offer, along with rum, vodka, cognac, Scotch, whiskey, and wines. Happy hour features signature cocktails and sangria. Bottle service is available.
Don’t Miss: Salsa Fridays, which feature a happening live band.
Yorktown Heights
The Gramercy
345 Kear St; the-gramercy.com
Forest green banquets and richly hued leather bar chairs denote old-world style, but the vibe is distinctly current at the lengthy, shining bar, where Tim Prelvukaj enjoys “pushing the envelope, creating exciting ways to experience cocktails old and new.” His celebrated Life in Pink drink mixes top-shelf vodka with fresh watermelon and lime juices, house-made rosewater syrup, mint, and a Champagne topper with juicy watermelon rounds. Beer and wine abound, as well, from a $36 bottle of Sicilian Pinot Grigio to a Cakebread Cab that’ll run you $180.
Don’t Miss: Cash drawings for diners who post a review on the website.
